Iris versicolor

Iris versicolor, also known as the blue flag, harlequin blueflag, larger blue flag, northern blue flag, and poison flag, is a species of Iris native to North America. It is common in sedge meadows, marshes, and along streambanks and shores. The specific epithet versicolor means "variously colored".

Description

Iris versicolor is a perennial herb, 10–80 cm high, forming dense clumps from a network of creeping rhizomes. The unwinged, erect stems generally have basal leaves that are more than 1 cm wide. Leaves are folded on the midribs so that they form an overlapping flat fan. The well developed blue flower has 6 petals and sepals spread out nearly flat and have two forms. The longer sepals are hairless and have a greenish-yellow blotch at their base. The inferior ovary is bluntly angled. Flowers are usually light to deep blue (purple and violet are not uncommon) and bloom during May to July.

Distribution and habitat

Iris versicolor is native to North America where it is common in sedge meadows, marshes, and along streambanks and shores from Manitoba to Nova Scotia, south to Virginia, Ohio, Illinois, and Minnesota. It is also commonly grown as an ornamental plant.

Uses

This iris is used in traditional medicine for its purported anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and laxative properties. However, it is also known to be a potent emetic and needs to be used with caution.

Toxicity

All parts of the plant are poisonous, containing the toxic isoflavone iridin. If ingested, it can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever. It may also cause dermatitis when touched.

References

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External links

• Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder
• USDA Plants Profile

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  Iris versicolor in Ottawa
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  Iris versicolor at the United States National Arboretum
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  Iris versicolor specimen
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  Illustration of Iris versicolor from American Medicinal Plants
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  Iris versicolor
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  Iris versicolor